Programmable automotive computer system
A device and corresponding method for enabling a user to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle. The system includes a portable programmable computer device that a user can readily install by plugging it into a diagnostic connector port of the vehicle for providing the controlling, monitoring, and evaluating functions. The present invention enables a user to perform performance tuning of the engine, provides dynamometer type functions such as horsepower and torque measurements, and provides a virtual drag strip function for accurately measuring acceleration data. According to an alternative embodiment, a monitor mode is provided for enabling the user to monitor selected characteristics of the vehicle and a diagnostics mode is provided for providing for the identification and display of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with informative text descriptions. The present invention also enables the clearing of selected DTCs without requiring expensive customized equipment for that purpose.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/624,210 filed Nov. 1, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates in general to vehicle computer systems, and more particularly to a system, device, and corresponding method for enabling a vehicle operator to control, monitor, and evaluate vehicle performance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA typical automobile includes a myriad of sensors mounted around the engine and other vehicle modules for monitoring the condition and selected performance characteristics of the vehicle such as air intake, temperature, and the position and rate of change of the accelerator, etc. Typically, an engine computer, also referred to as a Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is provided in the vehicle for monitoring the sensors and providing control of various engine functions as a function of sensor data. The PCM typically makes adjustments to minimize exhaust pollution, minimize fuel consumption, and maximize engine power.
Partly in response to governmental vehicle pollution mandates, an OnBoard Diagnostics (OBD) system is typically provided in the vehicle in order to require the PCM to actively monitor and test the engine parameters and in particular, the emissions-related elements. The OnBoard Diagnostics system requires that sensors and actuators controlling pollution monitoring are checked regularly and codes generated if a fault is detected. Other diagnostic systems such as OBD-II go a step further and require the PCM to actively monitor and test the emissions-related elements. An OnBoard Diagnostic port is typically provided which enables access to the engine computer and the diagnostic codes provided by the OBD system. The diagnostic port is typically accessible from either under the hood or from the interior passenger compartment of the vehicle to facilitate monitoring and control of the vehicle's engine characteristics. Conventionally, the monitoring and troubleshooting of identified faults required the use of bulky, complex equipment that was available only at automobile repair establishments. The operation of the conventional test equipment also required the knowledge and skill of a trained mechanic.
Many vehicle operators also desire the capability to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate vehicle performance themselves without the need for bulky, complex equipment or a mechanic. The diagnosing of certain engine problems and the monitoring of certain engine performance characteristics conventionally requires the use of a dynamometer. A dynamometer or “dyno” is a device used to measure power and torque produced by the engine. There are typically two types of dynos, an engine dyno that gets bolted directly to an engine, and a chassis dyno that can measure horsepower and torque without requiring that the engine be removed from the frame of the vehicle.
A vehicle operator may also be interested in measuring the speed performance of the vehicle, e.g., quarter mile time, time to speed, and top speed. Conventionally, a drag strip or other location is used and requires another person and/or one or more external devices to monitor the vehicle position and to provide a timer for determining the quarter mile time and speed.
A vehicle operator typically also desires to have a display of vehicle operating conditions. The cost of accessory gauges to display these operating conditions, however, are often cost prohibitive and difficult to install. Vehicle operators are also typically interested in having ready access to diagnostic data and their descriptions for troubleshooting purposes.
Known devices exist for separately programming the engine functions in order to enhance vehicle performance. However, such devices are stand-alone devices that do not include the other functions.
There is therefore a need for a multipurpose system that provides a performance tuning function, a dynamometer function, and a drag strip function via a portable device that a user can readily install by plugging it into the diagnostic connector port of the vehicle. There is a need for a system that also enables a user to monitor selected characteristics of the engine and other vehicle systems.
There is a need for a system that also enables a user to selectively display diagnostic data based on data read from the onboard diagnostics system port. There is also a need for displaying vehicle operating conditions to a user without the need for costly accessory gauges.
A need also exists for providing the above features in a device that has a user friendly interface for enabling easy operation of the monitor, evaluation, and control functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a system, device, and corresponding method for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate vehicle performance. According to one embodiment, the system includes a device having a high-resolution touch screen with a user-friendly interface including for facilitating viewing, data entry, and operation of the various modes provided. The device of the present invention installs in seconds by simply plugging its cable into the diagnostic port connector available in the interior compartment of the vehicle.
Broadly stated, the present invention provides a method for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle via a portable device, the vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system for monitoring a set of operational characteristics of the vehicle and for enabling control of the vehicle's engine computer and having a diagnostic port for enabling access to the engine computer and onboard diagnostic system and selected data accessible therefrom, comprising the steps of: accessing the onboard diagnostic system and engine computer via the diagnostic port; enabling selection by the user of a plurality of distinct device modes of operation provided via the portable device including a performance tuning mode for enabling the user to reprogram engine tuning calibration settings stored in a programmable memory of the engine computer of the vehicle via the diagnostic port; a dynamometer mode for providing calculations and the display of horsepower and torque characteristics for the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port; and a drag strip mode for enabling the calculation and selective display of times associated with driving the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port, and providing a touch screen user interface for enabling selection of the modes and operation of the device by the user.
Broadly stated, the present invention also provides an electronic portable device for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle, the vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system for monitoring a set of operational characteristics of the vehicle and for enabling control of the vehicle's engine computer and having a diagnostic port for enabling access to the engine computer and the onboard diagnostic system and selected data accessible therefrom, the device comprising an input/output port for coupling the device to the diagnostic port for accessing the onboard diagnostic system and the engine computer; a microcontroller operative for providing a plurality of modes and operations of the device; wherein the modes include a performance tuning mode for enabling the user to reprogram engine tuning calibration settings stored in a programmable memory of the engine computer of the vehicle via the diagnostic port; a dynamometer mode for providing calculations and the display of horsepower and torque characteristics for the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port; and a drag strip mode for enabling the calculation and selective display of times associated with driving the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port; a memory for providing storage in the device of data associated with the modes and operations of the device; and a touch screen display for enabling user selection of the plurality of modes and the operations of the device.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a touch screen user interface including an easy-to-use menu interface, a typewriter-style keyboard enabling easy data entry, and contextual help screens to facilitate use and eliminate the need for a separate user manual.
An advantage of the present invention is that it enables performance tuning by a user. The present invention enables a user to unlock the performance potential of computer-controlled vehicle engines by providing optimized fuel and ignition curves for enabling improved engine performance over the entire revolutions per minute (RPM) range. The present invention also gives a performance enthusiast and other users the ability to reprogram and personalize the onboard computer that controls virtually all aspects of the vehicle's operation. For example, the system enables adjustment of the engine RPM limiter for faster acceleration and adjustment of the top speed limiter for matching the speed rating of factory-approved tires. According to another aspect, the system enables correction of speedometer/odometer readings for non-stock tire sizes and gear ratios. The present invention, according to another aspect, enables a user to change the automatic transmission shift points and shift firmness to improve performance and enables adjustment of the on-off temperature of the vehicle's electric cooling fan. The present invention enables storage of the stock tuning calibrations in the memory of the device so that these calibrations can be selectively restored by a user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a drag strip function, i.e., a virtual drag strip, for accurately recording acceleration data, elapsed times and speeds during a test run, and for presenting the results of the test run to a user in a time slip format. The present invention, according to other aspects, also records and displays reaction time, incremental elapsed times and speed over several distances, time to speeds, e.g., 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph, and time to maximum speed. The present invention provides the vehicle performance information without the cost and inconvenience of using complex and expensive track testing equipment at a commercial drag strip.
Another advantage of the present invention is that is provides a dynamometer function for generating accurate horsepower and torque graphs under real-world conditions. The dynamometer function is also referred to herein as the dyno function or “dyno shop” function. A related advantage of the present invention is that it enables accounting for the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance values for a specific vehicle, even if the vehicle includes one or more non-stock modifications. According to another aspect, correction for temperature and humidity is provided for increased accuracy and repeatability.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides user-selectable graphic display of vehicle operating conditions without the need for accessory gauges. The present invention enables the monitoring of various functions such as oil pressure, engine coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperatures, fuel flow, spark timing, turbo boost, fuel mileage, and others.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for the identification and display of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) with informative text descriptions so as to eliminate the need to look up a code number to determine a fault. Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables the clearing of selected DTCs without requiring expensive customized equipment for that purpose.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device that includes an optional Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port to personal computer (PC) interface to enable connectivity for future expansion modules, e.g., for facilitating the downloading, printing and sharing of data from the device.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an interface port having a connector for accessing data on powertrain and vehicle operating conditions in real time with easy installation without tools and can be used with any OBD II compliant vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers in the United States were required to provide an OBD II compliant port starting with the 1996 model year. Some newer vehicles, i.e., post-2003, also support a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus that is typically accessible via the OBD-II connector. An embodiment according to the present invention provides support for the CAN bus to enable additional future configurability and expandability.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides data acquisition features to enable a user to store and retrieve drag strip, dyno, and engine monitoring data, allows run-to-run comparisons to evaluate changes, stores data by date and session for easy retrieval, and facilitates data sharing with a PC and via the Internet.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables dual fuel capability for a user, in that it enables an engine to be tuned to deliver virtually the same power increases with regular octane gasoline as with premium octane gasoline in engines designed for regular fuel. The dual fuel capability aspect of the present invention has the advantages of enabling a user to get maximum power and performance with significant cost savings by enabling the use of less expensive regular fuel while producing more power than with either stock tuning or prior art “dual fuel” tuning which produces no gains with regular gasoline.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a 3-Stage Tuning for diesel engines so as to enable a user to select the horsepower increase to suit his or her driving style. According to anther aspect, the present invention has an advantage of enabling tuning of the vehicle to its maximum power so as to provide improved towing capability up to the vehicle's maximum weight rating while also enabling potential gains in fuel economy.
These and other embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.
Reference symbols or names are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe system of the present invention includes a portable programmable automotive computer.
The system also alternatively includes a start time detector 22 as shown in
The device 10 according to the present invention includes an operating system which allows additional programs to be installed. According to an alternative embodiment, the device 10 includes an additional port, e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port, (not shown) to enable connection to a PC or a network such as the Internet to enable transfer of saved dyno, dragstrip, or diagnostic test information for printing, additional analysis, or other use. According to an alternative embodiment, software is provided to enable this additional analysis. The device 10 also includes expansion capability for installation of additional circuitry for providing additional capability. For example, an embodiment of the device according to the present invention provides support for the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus to enable additional future configurability and expandability.
Device 10 is designed to receive a myriad of inputs from the automotive computer 6 via the diagnostic port 2, internally and transparent to the user. For instance, if the PCM contains the vehicle identification number (VIN), it is received by the device 10 automatically and is displayable. The user is prompted to enter the VIN for vehicles that do not automatically provide access to it at the diagnostic port.
The device 10 enables the user to selectively enter a “setup mode” (not shown). The “setup” mode is provided for enabling the user to enter data to appear on predetermined screens and on printouts, e.g., user name, car specifications, etc. Once the “set up” mode is complete, the present invention will cause the data to be shown at the predetermined areas on the display or on a print-out, until the data is changed. The device 10 preferably enables the user to selectively receive additional explanations and expanded “how to” information preferably via a “More Info” or a “Help” button specific to the displayed screen.
The Performance Tuning program, also referred to herein as the Power Tuning program, enables a user to reprogram and personalize the engine computer that controls nearly all aspects of vehicle operation. For example, the present invention enables the adjustment of the engine rpm limiter for faster acceleration and enables adjusting the top speed limiter to match the speed rating of factory-approved tires. The Performance Tuning program enables, in addition, correction of the speedometer/odometer readings to account for non-stock tire sizes and gear ratios, and adjustment of the automatic transmission shift firmness to improve acceleration and extend transmission life. The Performance Tuning program of device 10 also enables a user to change the automatic transmission shift points to improve performance and enables adjustment of the electric cooling fan on-off temperature to increase power and prevent destructive detonation. The device 10 stores the stock tuning calibration settings in its memory for enabling a user to selectively restore the settings.
Regarding general navigation buttons included throughout the exemplary screens, the “back” button is preferably provided to return the user to the previously viewed screen, the “main menu” button is preferably provided to return the user to the Main Menu screen corresponding to the current program/mode. The “help” button is preferably provided to enable display of a help screen for providing help information for the current screen and a “close” button is preferably provided for closing the help screen. In the example in
It should be appreciated that the screens are exemplary. For example, the Engine Tuning Screens will vary depending on gasoline or diesel applications.
In response to selection of the “correct gear ratio only” button 176, after the gear ratio selection in made, as seen in
The diagnostics program and corresponding mode is selectable via button 600 on the main menu of
The engine monitor program and corresponding mode is selectable via button 500 on the main menu of
The menu screen 210 also shows an exemplary current setup list 21 affect any of the test measurements. A “change setup” button 214 is provided on menu screen 210 to enable a user to make changes in the setup prior to making a run. Selection of the “change setup” button 214 will take the user to the Vehicle/Owner Information screen (not shown) for selection and modification of the relevant vehicle settings listed in list 218. Once the user has entered the changes, the user is returned to the “create new session” menu screen 210 which will show the updated current setup.
An “enter run notes” button 224 on exemplary menu screen 220 of
The “staging lane” menu screen 220 includes a “start tree” button 228 for initiation of a drag strip “tree” mode. In operation, the user is instructed, as shown in
In the examples shown in
The menu screen 310 also shows an exemplary current setup list 318 of items that can affect any of the test measurements. A “change setup” button 314 is provided on menu screen 310 to enable a user to make changes in the setup prior to making a run. Selection of the “change setup” button 314 will take the user to the Vehicle/Owner Information screen (not shown) for selection and modification of the relevant vehicle settings listed in list 318. Once the user has entered the changes, the user is returned to the “create new dyno session” menu screen 310 which will show the updated current setup.
An “enter run notes” button 324 on exemplary menu screen 320 of
Selection of a “start dyno” button 326 in the exemplary screen of
A “view dyno graph” button 346 is provided on screen 340 to enable selection of a graphical display of the results, such as shown in the exemplary screen 360 in
The device 10 enables the user to select one of the listed sessions, e.g. in table 372, for further review in a review mode. In the review mode, exemplary screens as shown in
Based on the screen shots shown in
The accuracy of measured time, measured velocity, and calculated distance data are critical because these characteristics serve as the basis for the calculations for the drag strip and dyno shop (dynamometer) programs. These values as developed and reported by the diagnostic port 2 connected to the onboard diagnostic system 6 have two serious flaws that have so far prevented any prior art device based thereon from being either accurate or repeatable. Before this information is used by device 10, according to the present invention, for generating the corresponding data for the drag strip program displays, e.g.,
As described in the background, the time interval and the short distance traveled from “first movement” of the vehicle, i.e., the start time, during a test run until the velocity value is provided at the diagnostic port introduces an unknown error that varies from test to test randomly, and, therefore, gives false, unreliable fluctuating results for conventional methods. In order to correct for this unknown error, the system of the present invention includes a start time detector 22 in
The start time, preferably obtained from the “first movement trigger”, allows development of an accurate timeline, however, the distance from first movement to the first velocity value from the diagnostic port is still unknown. Wheel spin presents another challenge because the velocity values from the diagnostic port are distorted during wheel spin such that distance calculations would otherwise be inaccurate. The presumed distance traveled based on velocity value read is artificially high if the tires are spinning. Wheel spin of varying times and distances down the track thus would seem to make accuracy impossible. Conventionally, this has up-to-now appeared to be an unsolvable problem.
The following describes in further detail how the present invention solves for wheel spin, if present, and solves for the unknown distance and time to reach the first PCM delivered velocity. The present invention accurately solves for the two above described problems irrespective of the random nature of the first distance value, and irrespective of the amount of error due to wheel spin, if present.
According to a preferred embodiment, the accelerometer of the present invention provides the first movement trigger and starts a clock in the device 10. The device 10 puts a time stamp on each velocity signal read from the diagnostic port 2. It could be anything from 0.001 seconds to some later time point, e.g., 652 seconds from the time the clock starts (as determined from the signal from the detector), until the first velocity reading is available and read. The time checks come at the first velocity reading and it is referenced off of the “first movement” trigger at time zero when the accelerometer sent its signal. The velocity updates from the vehicle's diagnostic port come at regular intervals that vary from vehicle to vehicle, e.g., every 0.060 seconds up to 0.25 seconds. The digitized velocity data read from the diagnostic port is “smoothed”, and stored in a file. So when the vehicle starts moving, the accelerometer signal provides the first movement trigger and the clock starts. A time stamp is put on each velocity signal that comes in from there until the end of the run. The time that it takes the vehicle to travel a ¼ mile and other predetermined distances are calculated. The time to reach one or more predetermined speeds is also recorded.
Accounting for wheel spin is done by the process described in further detail below. The numerical derivative of the velocity values received via the diagnostic port from the vehicle is used to create a file of acceleration values, and a numerical integration of the velocity data is performed to calculate distance travelled. Most acceleration and velocity numbers, in the case of wheel spin, will typically be erratic in nature, extraordinarily high initially, but once the tire hooks up with the track, the velocity values from the vehicle drop from their artificial high values down to the vehicle's actual speed from which a smooth curve is thereafter obtained. In the case of wheel spin, the acceleration curve also starts off with a high spike and then drops down to about zero acceleration as the vehicle just spins its tires until the tires hook up to the track, such that the data thereafter accurately reflects vehicle movement. Through analysis of the velocity and acceleration stored data, a point is found at which each of the numbers become accurate. In other words, there is a point after wheel spin stops when the velocity and acceleration numbers settle onto a smooth curve. At the point of settling, the inflection point, it is known that the distances that had been calculated based on velocity during the wheel spin are not true values. The present invention solves equations from the inflection point, when wheel spin has stopped, backwards on the curve down to time zero. By looking backward, corrected velocity curve and acceleration curve values are calculated for the interval of time from the start point to the time the wheel spin stops. From the corrected curves, an accurate distance is calculated, so the method takes the false distance due to the spinning the tires and the unknown distance traveled because of not knowing the distance and time relative to the first pulse count on the drive shaft, and simply goes backwards from the point where the tires hook up to determine these distances. The time from the “first movement” trigger to the inflection point where the tires hooked up is known because of the time stamping of the velocity values done by the present invention. This time, as well as the velocity and acceleration equations, are used for an equation to calculate the correct initial distance traveled.
In other words, according to the present invention, the method subtracts the error between the measured distance, which is artificially high if the tires are spinning, and the actual distance traveled. In other words, during wheel spin the vehicle does not travel as far as the PCM pulse counter indicates. The present invention according to an embodiment calculates the correct distance and then subtracts the error from all subsequent values of distance going down the track.
Once the vehicle is moving going down the track, the velocity curve is accurate all the way down the track until the driver lets off the throttle and the velocity drops and the acceleration drops, e.g. for a ¼ mile test when the driver passes 1320 feet. According to the method of the present invention, a numerical integration is done to get the distance and the numerical differentiation to get the acceleration of that velocity curve.
For a drag strip run, the times such as shown in the examples in
The steps up to this point as described above are summarized as follows: In a preferred embodiment, the accelerometer is used to start the clock (the first movement trigger) and so obtain a correct time line. The system then performs a mathematical inspection of velocity curves recorded from the PCM and smoothes the curves to find a point of inflection in the velocity (and/or any derivative of velocity) to establish the moment of “no wheel spin”. The exact time from first movement to this point of no wheel spin is determined, and then the correct distance is determined by one of the methods described in further detail below.
According to a first method of corrected distance calculation, the method starts with a polynomial equation, and, using the values of smoothed velocity and calculated acceleration at the instant of time of “no wheel spin”, along with the initial values of zero for the polynomial and all integrals and derivatives of the polynomial at time zero, solves for the co-efficients of the polynomials and all integrals and derivatives. The solved coefficients are inserted into any and all of the polynomial equations, including integrals and derivatives, and then either one of two methods is used to solve for the correct distance from time zero until the instant of no wheel spin: a direct calculation of distance can be made from the polynomial equation for distance, or by using the velocity equation with the derived coefficient values, and calculating each and every velocity value, from time zero to the instant of no wheel spin, the correct distance is obtained from a simple numerical integration of the velocity over that time. Implementing this method in a software program is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.
According to a second alternative method for calculating the corrected distance, instead of using polynomials to find the correct distance, a constant value for acceleration is used that yields a velocity curve which is a straight line starting at time zero with a value of zero, which rises in a straight line to meet the smoothed velocity curve with equal value at the instant of “no wheel spin”. The resulting straight line velocity curve is integrated to get the distance equation, and either one of two alternative methods is used to solve for the correct distance from time zero until the instant of no wheel spin: a direct calculation of distance can be made from the directly from the equation for distance, or by calculating each and every velocity value, from time zero to the instant of no wheel spin, the correct distance is obtained from a simple numerical integration of the velocity over that time.
For the second alternative method, generally any straight line describing velocity or any derivative of velocity can be used to connect the zero time line, at any value, and not necessarily zero, to the time of “no wheel spin” line, so long as the velocity calculation equals the smoothed velocity data at that time, with no particular requirement that the derivatives of velocity must equal the value of the same derivative at that same “no wheel spin” time line. By integration, if necessary, the velocity and distance equations are derived, and either one of two methods is used to solve for the correct distance from time zero until the instant of no wheel spin: a direct calculation of distance can be made from the directly from the equation for distance, or by calculating each and every velocity value, from time zero to the instant of no wheel spin, the correct distance is obtained from a simple numerical integration of the velocity over that time.
It should be noted however, that the velocity curve, or line must always start at zero time with a value of zero velocity, but any and all derivatives can start at the same instant with any value, not necessarily zero.
With correct distance obtained by any of the above methods, the errors in the distance file that was calculated from the numerical integration of PCM velocity values can now be corrected. The distorted value for distance on file are replaced with the new corrected distance, and all Drag Strip and acceleration values can be accurately calculated and displayed.
The dynamometer program likewise depends on accuracy at low speeds in order to accurately calculate power and torque in that critical low speed range. Power and torque calculations, after wheel spin, are not affected by the two distance errors described above, only the low speed power and torque values are affected. The present invention has the advantage of providing a Dynamometer program that gives accurate results over the entire test including the critical low speed range.
The following is a more detailed description of the dynamometer feature of the present invention. After correcting the velocity and distance values, a numerical differentiation is performed on the smoothed velocity values to obtain the acceleration of the vehicle, and a file created on the same time line as distance and velocity.
Referring to the equations below, it can be seen that these values for velocity and acceleration of the vehicle are what is needed in order to calculate both horsepower and torque at the driving wheels, and if the losses from the flywheel to the road are known, the engine horsepower can be calculated and displayed. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) estimates a 20% loss for automatic transmissions, and 13% loss for manual transmissions. In the art, these are very good values based on the extensive testing over the years by LPE . So, while different vehicles might deviate a little, one way or the other from these numbers, the LPE values are very close and will give good results for comparison testing, i.e., probably having less error than the average “working” dynamometer does.
The two terms in the calculation of driving wheel power and torque are first, from Force=Mass×Acceleration, converted in the Equations into terms of vehicle weight, tire diameter, and R.P.M. This part of the final equation is related to the force accelerating the vehicle.
The force opposing forward motion is F2=−Constant×V**2. It is the sum of all “resistances”, rolling resistance of the tires, wind resistance, working fluids, etc. It is not necessary to separate them, or to try to measure or calculate them separately, because all these losses are directly proportional to the velocity squared. So, a coast down procedure described below enables determination of a deceleration curve, and calculation of the Constant for all resisting forces.
To insure accuracy, the Constant is calculated in one mph increments over at least 10 mph of clean coast down deceleration, and then each one is inspected. It is found that the calculations agree to less than 1% deviation, so they are all averaged to arrive at the best value to use.
Equations
A polynomial equation is written in the following form:
Value=A*t**0+B*t+C*t**2+ . . . N*t**(N−1),
where A, B, C, . . . N are constants, one asterisk signifies multiplication and two signifies exponentiation and integration is over time t.
The number of terms needed is equal to the number of unknown coefficients that need to be found, and that is equal to the number of boundary conditions to be satisfied.
Below is shown a 4 term polynomial equation. This equation is used for the numerical integration method (method two above) to calculate the correct distance value. The equation is solved for 4 constants in terms of 4 boundary conditions, the velocity and acceleration at time equal zero, and the velocity and acceleration at time of zero wheel spin.
V=A+B*t+C*t**2+D*t**3
A=B+2*C*t+3*D*t**2
and, at t=0, both V (velocity) and A (acceleration) are also equal to 0, so by inspection of the two equations, the first two constants, A and B, are equal to 0, leaving only two terms in the two equations:
V=C*t**2+D*t**3
A=2*C*t+3*D*t**2
The exponents can be changed and more terms can be added to account for many more boundary conditions. For example, adding another term if it is desired to set the initial value of distance to zero, add two more if it is desired to set boundary conditions for jerk (the derivative of acceleration), and so on. Changing the number of terms, and/or the value of the exponents does not change the methodology.
Below is the full set of equations for four terms, simple linear exponents, that are used in the numerical integration method.
Assume the following polynomials describe the raw data where:
-
- V=velocity(fps)
- A=acceleration(fps2)
- t=time(sec)
- C,D=coefficients
V=Ct2+Dt3 Velocity equation 1)
A=2Ct+3Dt2: Acceleration equation 2)
Solving 1 for C yields:
Substituting 3 into 2 and solving for D:
Raw data is Velocity vs. time. The raw V is smoothed using:
n=sample index
Equation 5 may be applied successively until the desired smoothness is achieved.
Using the smoothed velocity data, the acceleration is calculated by taking the numerical derivative at each velocity point using Equation (6):
This now gives acceleration and velocity curves.
Wheel spin is corrected using this data. The first velocity point that does not indicate wheel-spin is determined. C & D are calculated using methods described above for this velocity point. The erroneous data points for velocity are filled in using the calculated values for C and D in Equation 1.
The distance is then calculated using the corrected velocity data. The data is numerically integrated to yield distance, where:
d=dist
Horsepower and Torque Calculations and Derivations:
-
- T=torque
- V=vehicle velocity(fps)
- d=wheel diameter (ft)
- F1=drive force
- F2=drag losses
- CL=loss coefficient
- HP=horsepower
- m=vehicle mass
- a=vehicle acceleration
- g=acceleration of gravity=32.9 ƒ/s2
- W=vehicle weight
Solve for F1
Calculation of losses, Solve for F2:
F2=(CL×V2) 4)
Substituting 6b into 5c yields:
Coast Down Calculation
A coast down calculation is required to measure actual resistance to all parasitic motion losses, such as wind resistance, tire rolling resistance, and all gear and bearing drag. All are a function of vehicle speed squared, so a simple coast down test can be performed that is accurate for that vehicle, equipped with whatever tires, mirrors, aftermarket aerodynamic “wings”, lowered suspensions, etc. This coast down test gives a drag coefficient that accounts for all such parasitic losses. At any speed, the motion losses in total are equal to this experimentally determined coefficient multiplied by the Vehicle Speed “squared”. No other prior consumer product or shop tool is known that provides this feature.
The engineering approach to calculate the coefficient of drag without a wind tunnel is to use the cross sectional area of the car and then the coefficient of drag which is a reflection of the resistance of that particular shape body going through the air. Now coefficient of drag of a vehicle is really a misnomer because it implies wind resistance, but there are also the rolling resistance of the tires, losses due to the transmission and gears, etc. Interestingly enough though, there is a coefficient of drag of the transmission gears, and a coefficient of drag of the rear axle gears, and a coefficient of drag of all bearings, coefficient of drag of rear tires as they flex and consume energy and coefficient of drag of the aerodynamics and that would be hard for an engineering department to define for each and every car. However, all of those coefficients can be summed up in brackets and then multiplied by simply the velocity squared, because each and every one of these factors individually is a function of the velocity squared times the co-efficient. The present invention provides an empirical technique for measuring the total motion loss independent of whatever rear view mirrors, or wings, or tires, or lowered suspensions, or other non-stock modifications exist on the vehicle, all affect the coefficient of drag. Known methods require the driver to look up his or her vehicle's cross sectional area to determine the coefficient of drag for your vehicle.
The coast down method for calculating the total motion losses of a vehicle wherein the losses are proportional to the square of the velocity of the vehicle, including the steps of a) initiating a first run by causing the vehicle to move at a speed of about 60 miles per hour along a path on a track of known slope; b) acquiring the vehicle's speed via an onboard diagnostic port in the vehicle; c) causing the vehicle to shift to neutral gear so as to allow the vehicle to coast down; d) acquiring the vehicle's speed via an onboard diagnostic port at predetermined intervals during the coast down; and e) allowing the vehicle to coast down until its speed is about 50 miles per hour; f) repeating steps a) to e) for a second run substantially following the path of the first run; g) comparing speeds acquired in the first and second runs; h) calculating the total motion loss from the acquired speeds if the speeds at the predetermined intervals obtained during the first run and second run are substantially consistent; i) repeating steps a) to e) for successive runs if the acquired speeds at the predetermined intervals for the prior two runs are not substantially consistent until the acquired speeds at the predetermined intervals are substantially consistent between successive runs; and j) calculating the total motion loss from the substantially consistent acquired speeds at the predetermined intervals.
So, prior to every run, the user will see the various values and is asked by the computer system of the present invention if there is anything that has been changed. If the user has changes for any of these particular variables, the user will need to do another coast down and obtain a new coefficient of drag.
Calculation of drag coefficient CL from coast-down data
where:
-
- V1=initial velocity
- V2=coasting velocity after time
- t=elapsed time between V1 and V2
- CL=loss coefficient
- m=vehicle mass (equ 6b)
- ad=coastdown acceleration (deceleration)
F2=m×ad also from equation 4; 9)
F2=(CL×V2) 9a)
Having disclosed exemplary embodiments, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention as described by the following claims.
Claims
1. A method for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle via a portable device, the vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system for monitoring a set of operational characteristics of the vehicle and for enabling control of the vehicle's engine computer and having a diagnostic port for enabling access to the engine computer and onboard diagnostic system and selected data accessible therefrom, comprising:
- enabling the portable device to access said onboard diagnostic system and engine computer via said diagnostic port;
- enabling selection by the user of a plurality of distinct device modes of operation provided via the portable device including: a performance tuning mode for enabling the user to reprogram engine tuning calibration settings stored in a programmable memory of the engine computer of the vehicle via said diagnostic port; a dynamometer mode for providing calculations and the display of horsepower and torque characteristics for the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from said diagnostic port; and a drag strip mode for enabling the calculation and selective display of times associated with driving the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from said diagnostic port;
- providing a touch screen user interface for enabling selection of the modes and operations of the portable device by the user; and
- detecting via the portable device the start time of vehicle travel independent of said onboard diagnostic system to enable correction of errors in data generated by said onboard diagnostic system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the times for the drag strip mode include the time to reach one or more predetermined speeds and the time to reach one or more predetermined distances.
3. The method of claim 1, further including enabling selection by the user of a monitor mode for enabling the user to monitor selected characteristics of the vehicle based on data read from said onboard diagnostic port.
4. The method of claim 1, further including enabling selection by the user of a diagnostics mode for enabling a user to selectively display diagnostic information based on diagnostic data read from said onboard diagnostic port.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said diagnostic data includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), further comprising the step of enabling said user to clear predetermined DTCs of said onboard diagnostic system via said diagnostic port.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation and selective display of times are associated with driving the vehicle from an initial stopped position to another position over a user selected distance.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the touch screen is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable device is a handheld device.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling selective input by the user of personalized data regarding the user and regarding the vehicle via the touch screen.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable device selectively provides a keypad presenting a plurality of numeric keys on a touch screen for entry of numeric data by the user and selectively provides a keyboard presenting a plurality of alphabetical keys for selective entry of alphabetical data by the user.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of obtaining the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle via said diagnostic port.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle identification number (VIN) of said vehicle is not obtainable via the diagnostic port for the vehicle, further comprising the step of enabling the user to manually enter the vehicle identification number via the touch screen.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has an engine rpm limiter and top speed limiter and the performance tuning mode enables adjustment of the engine rpm limiter via the diagnostic port for faster acceleration and enables adjustment of the top speed limiter.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has tires having a predetermined speed rating and wherein the performance tuning mode enables adjustment of the top speed limiter via the diagnostic port to match the speed rating.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the performance tuning mode further comprises enabling correction of speedometer/odometer readings of the vehicle via the diagnostic port to account for non-stock tire sizes and gear ratios, said enabling correction including enabling the user to change the tire size setting to a non-stock tire size setting and change the gear ratio setting to a new gear ratio setting via the diagnostic port.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has an automatic transmission and wherein the performance tuning mode enables adjustment of shifting firmness of the automatic transmission via the diagnostic port for improving acceleration and extending the life of the vehicle's transmission.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has an automatic transmission and wherein the performance tuning mode enables the user to change shift points of the automatic transmission via the diagnostic port to improve performance.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has an electric cooling fan and wherein the performance tuning mode enables adjustment of the electric cooling fan's on-off temperature via the diagnostic port.
19. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving and storing tuning calibration settings of the vehicle via said diagnostic port before enabling reprogramming of the engine tuning calibration settings.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the performance tuning mode enables the user to selectively replace reprogrammed engine calibration settings with the stored tuning calibration settings.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting via the portable device is by an accelerometer contained therein.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting via the portable device is by a mercury switch contained therein.
23. An electronic portable device for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle, the vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system for monitoring a set of operational characteristics of the vehicle and for enabling control of the vehicle's engine computer and having a diagnostic port for enabling access to the engine computer and the onboard diagnostic system and selected data accessible therefrom, said device comprising:
- an input/output port for coupling said device to said diagnostic port for accessing the onboard diagnostic system and the engine computer;
- a microcontroller operative for providing a plurality of modes and operations of said device; wherein said modes include: a performance tuning mode for enabling the user to reprogram engine tuning calibration settings stored in a programmable memory of the engine computer of the vehicle via said diagnostic port; a dynamometer mode for providing calculations and the display of horsepower and torque characteristics for the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from said diagnostic port; and a drag strip mode for enabling the calculation and selective display of times associated with driving the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from said diagnostic port;
- a memory for providing storage in said device of data associated with said modes and operations of said device;
- a touch screen display for enabling user selection of said plurality of modes and said operations of said device; and
- a start time detector for detecting the start time of vehicle travel independent of the onboard diagnostic system to enable correction of errors in data generated by the onboard diagnostic system.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein said drag strip mode provides a visual display of an array of lights for providing a starting sequence for a drag strip run.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said array of lights is arranged in a tree so as to provide a virtual drag strip tree corresponding to lights used for sequencing at an actual drag strip.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said drag strip mode further enables said lights of said tree to be selectively turned on and off according to at least one predetermined sequence so as to enable said starting sequence to simulate a corresponding starting sequence at an actual drag strip.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises:
- creating a time stamp for the instant in time when a last light in said sequence is lit; and
- calculating reaction time as a function of said instant and the detected start time of vehicle travel.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein said array of lights comprises four lights positioned in a column including three lights of a first color positioned above one light of a second color.
29. The electronic portable device of claim 23, wherein the start time detector comprises an accelerometer.
30. The electronic portable device of claim 23, wherein the start time detector comprises a mercury switch.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 31, 2005
Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
Patent Publication Number: 20060106510
Assignee: Hypertech, Inc. (Bartlett, TN)
Inventor: Mark F. Heffington (Germantown, TN)
Primary Examiner: Thomas Black
Assistant Examiner: Christine M Behncke
Attorney: Nixon Peabody LLP
Application Number: 11/264,568
International Classification: G01M 17/00 (20060101); G06F 7/00 (20060101); G06F 19/00 (20060101); G01S 7/36 (20060101);